Chapter Twenty-two

Jace wasn't going to get away with it today! She had found things to do that kept her out of the office when Hudson was there, and in the office when she wasn't, seemed to work. But today, no today she was caught! Hudson had requested her presence and she wasn't going to take any excuse, not this time.

Jace entered Hudson's office, when she called her on the intercom; it had been a very brusque request. 'Hope she's not in a bad mood.' Jace thought as she went through the door.

Clarissa Hudson was sitting in her large office chair it was black leather and essentially suited the woman, she did exude a dark power, almost evil in it's intent at times, or so it appeared to Jace.

"Ah, Jace. Glad you could finally set some time aside to see me!" Hudson said the voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Your time, your money." Jace said with a small smile.

Hudson watched her closely and waived her to the seat in front of her desk. "Yes, glad you realised that!"

Jace dropped down into the seat, knowing this wasn't going to be a picnic.

"So, have you finally remembered some interesting details on Warriorson for the documentary yet?" It wasn't a request it was a demand.

"No." Jace looked directly into the hard expression of her boss.

"Why not?" came a sickly sweet reply.

"It wasn't anything to do with the company when I was a guest on the ranch, it would be a betrayal of her privacy if I revealed how she lives and the people she has around her." Jace answered confidently.

"Come, come Jace, don't be naive! Catherine Warriorson will know that we will want you to tell us something about her! Hell, she will expect it." Hudson said in an amused tone.

"Well, I disagree. She doesn't expect that of me!"

"I'm afraid that if you don't tell me something, particularly the facts, then as you know in this town, things kind of slip out of proportion to the event." Hudson looked at her nails as she spoke.

Jace looked at the woman, 'Was that a threat?' "I'm sorry, forgive my stupidity here but exactly what do you mean by that?"

"As I said before, naïve maybe, but certainly not stupid. You are a very intelligent woman, I'm more than happy to have you on my team's side," Hudson continued her examination of her fingernails.

"I wasn't aware there was an issue with sides here?" Jace looked confused.

"Didn't you? Mmm, well it would appear that a line has been drawn Jace; you need to decide which side you want to be on," Hudson eyed her discreetly, curious to see her reaction.

"Why do I need to be on a particular side? It's not exactly a major issue here, you only need about thirty seconds of dialogue, is it so important?" Jace was dumbfounded. It didn't make sense this obsession of Hudson's about Catherine. 'I'm going to have to ask Catherine if she knows Hudson, maybe in her past.'

"To me it's important Jace, lets just say I'm fascinated with the legend." Hudson said almost in a whisper.

"Legend?" Jace asked her puzzled.

"Ah, too young, I forget sometimes. Let's just say Ms Warriorson has a background that is legendary; I wondered if she had changed in anyway." Hudson smiled at the younger woman and noticed her puzzled frown. "Times change Jace, she's probably nothing like the woman she was, but tell me does she still have that expressive eyebrow action that literally is one of the most powerful weapons in her arsenal?"

Jace paled, Hudson did know her. "I wouldn't know the difference would I; I've never met her before?"

"No, but I have! Indeed, on several occasions. Does she still put the fear of god into people?' noticing Jace wince at the term, she smiled. "Guess she still does, wonder if she still pulls that hard nosed bitch front she used to do when we knew each other?" Once again Jace's facial expressions gave her away. "Can't say I blame you for not wanting to say much about the cold-hearted bitch, you never know if she might retaliate. Does she have anything on you that she could score a point off you Jace?" This time Hudson looked at her directly and noted the sudden swallowing and the pale visage getting paler.

'Oh to be young and in love.' Hudson chuckled silently.

"She....she wouldn't do anything to make me upset, I know her! She wouldn't, she knows I..........I value her friendship." Jace whispered at the room, it was suddenly becoming oppressive. 'God, how well had Hudson known Catherine, and when and where?'

"Guess you need to get some work done Jace. But remember who the pay check comes from okay?" Hudson inclined her head to the doorway in dismissal. "Oh Jace, in this town and our industry try to remember one thing!"

Jace looked up at her and wearily got up from the chair. "That would be?"

Hudson looked at her with a cynical smile. "Why never be gullible Jace you might never know when it could come back to haunt you."

Jace paled even more and thought, 'this woman was a manipulator, Peter had been right, she wouldn't give up; but I haven't given any damn interview either, so that was something to be thankful for at least.'

Leaving the room she picked up her purse and headed for the canteen, she needed a coffee and how!

Hudson looked at the dejected Bardley leave her office and as the door closed, she allowed herself a large grin and a small laugh.

"Oh Catherine, how you still manage to charm people to your side of the camp, and now without the mantle of Xianthos to help in your enticement. It will give me great pleasure in using what Jace didn't say! As a background to the story and eventually you will have to do the evil deed yourself and admit who you really are to her, saving me the task in the long run. I'm sure Jace will be happy to know that her.....friend as she calls you, is really her number one enemy! How appropriate for you both; she gets a lesson in life, and you get a touch of your own medicine. I love it, just love it." She spoke icily into the empty room.

~ ~ ~

Grace had packed as much as she wanted for the trip home, if she needed anything else she would buy it there. Her sister Alison had been ecstatic over her visit, after all it had been three years since she'd been home, and they thought she had forgotten them.

Recalling the phone conversation.

"Hell Sis, we thought that you had finally decided we weren't good enough for you anymore. What with living like you do at that big ranch and with a rich recluse?" Alison had laughed when Grace had snorted her disgust at the comment.

"Sure, how on earth could I forget you Ali, you wouldn't let me anyway, would you?" She laughed herself at her sister's infectious laughter, it reminded her of Jace in some ways, as they were both about the same age.

"Mom was pleased that you're coming home."

"Good, it will be good to see her too, what about Dad?"

"Gracie you know Dad, he never says much, but I noticed him look at your photo when I mentioned it."

"Which photo? Thought he'd got rid of them, when the police thing went out of the window."

"It's the one you had taken about six months into the training, guess he kept one or two huh?"

Grace smiled at the thought of the picture, she had been happy then.

Her Dad had been proud of her, he had been a police officer himself, but due to a heart problem had retired earlier than expected, three years ago. He had never forgiven her for the car accident and the waste of her career, what she did now was not fit work for his daughter, or that's how she had viewed his continued silence over the past five years, guess sometimes you don't need words.

"I remember it well, who has the pleasure of putting me up?" She asked, knowing that her sister no longer lived at home.

Alison laughed at the question. "Boy, you sure have a chip on your shoulder Gracie. Come on now Mum and Dad would be furious if you didn't go home, she got your room ready so you have to go."

Grace was surprised, more than surprised, the last visit hadn't gone too well and if it hadn't been for Ali's influence, she would probably have said things she would have regretted later. Mind you there would always be a second chance, Ali wasn't going to be there this time around!

"Okay, well I'll see you Sunday Ali, don't go getting into too much trouble before I get there, love you. Bye for now."

"Love you too Gracie, see you Sunday, bye."

Cradling the cell in her hand she hadn't noticed Catherine walk into the room silently. Turning she noticed the strange smile on the woman's face as she watched her from the door.

"Okay, what's so funny Catherine?"

Catherine moved from her leaning post at the door and walked closer to her friend. "I've never heard you talk to your family before, do you often?"

Grace smiled briefly and went over and put down the cell on the kitchen table. "No, no Ali, Alison my kid sister has been travelling abroad, she's an engineer, works on rigs and such stuff. Clever kid about Jace's age." Seeing the fleeting sadness in Catherine's eyes she looked away and went over to put on some tea.

"Interesting profession, obviously she likes it?" Catherine said conversationally.

"Yeah, she does. Took my Dad ages to come to terms with it especially after..... Well anyway she gets around now." Grace kept her back to Catherine.

"After?" Catherine was never one to miss a change in subject.

"You know you could just ignore that and ask me when I'm going to leave." Grace smiled wanly at her friend and boss.

"I could! But nooo..... where's the fun in that!" she returned a brief smile and sat at the table; tea looked a good possibility and she knew once Grace was gone she wouldn't be in the kitchen much until she got back.

"After I dipped out of the police, my Dad was loath to believe that his other daughter would finish her chosen profession."

"Your sister is her own person what happened to you was an accident, surely he didn't assume she would be as f.........." She didn't finish the sentence.

"Foolish is the word you wanted to say I believe." Grace supplied for her.

"Yeah, foolish. Because sure as hell my friend, you certainly were in that car that night." Catherine never released the stare from the other woman's eyes, essentially taking any of the sting out of the words.

"I know, and would you believe good old Dad has never forgiven me! Hell, I was his eldest child and following in his footsteps.  Now, he thinks I'm a waste of space, doing a mediocre job for some recluse, who has more money than sense." Grace laughed as she said the words pouring them tea.

"Maybe your Dad is right, you could do better than this Grace." Catherine had pondered that very same thing about Grace recently.

"No! I couldn't Catherine. This is my home for as long as you want me in it! I'm happy here with you and now with the children, it's going to be interesting times." She locked brown onto blue in a sincere look.

Catherine placed a hand on the other woman's. "You know I think you're right Grace, it certainly is going to be interesting times."

"Yes, so don't go doing too many interesting things while I'm gone will you?" She chuckled as they sat there in friendly companionship.

"Okay, just don't stay away too long will you?"

"No, no I have something to come back too now haven't I?" she said softly.

"You never needed to go away to find a reason to stay here Grace." Catherine replied solemnly.

"I know, but some things need to be cleared up, and I can't do it here. Do you know you're too much of an influence?" She smiled at the colour, which appeared on Catherine's cheeks.

"Christ that's just what Jace said." And tried to laugh off the embarrassment that the two most important women in her life seemed to have the same opinion of her.

"I always knew Jace was an astute woman. Pity some others haven't got the same perception." She moved away quickly as Catherine jabbed her in the arm.

"Get out of here Grace, you're going to make someone an interesting wife one day!" She got up and walked towards the outer door.

"I'll be back before you go, in about an hour okay?" Catherine smiled and left her friend to her final leaving preparations.

"Interesting wife indeed! Maybe she should think about that herself."

Grace chuckled as she cleared away the tea mugs and went to her room to get her things together.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-three

Paul Strong had started all the necessary procedures to ensure Catherine's plans for a World President of Xianthos coming into operation without to much controversy with the various personnel and departments.

He had received the internal memo from Catherine to all VP's about her plans; it had clearly stated his new role, which placed him in charge of Xianthos. Catherine wouldn't interfere, unless it meant that Xianthos was under criminal suspicion or that the market lost faith in the President.

He had practically run the company for the last five years anyway on the more sensitive issues, so she had great faith and would tell the market so in a rare interview in the coming months. She had also stated that he would be the person to move if he thought fit any VP's to new positions, especially the New York role, which would be perceived as his second in command.

Paul had considered the options he had, but primarily he needed to act on Catherine's last discussion with the other VP's; it was very appropriate how she had rearranged positions and responsibilities, just another of her many skills.

He was going to move Gareth to Africa, he'd been far to out spoken of late and what better way to see if he could actually put his money where his mouth was, or rather Xianthos's money back into the Corporate pocket.

Constance had done well there; she had turned round what had been a big loss of seventy million a year to a meagre five million.  How she had done that was amazing, sometimes he thought that she should have the new role, but he did have the more sophisticated experience with the major clients. If she continued in New York the same way she did on the African continent, she would easily oust him in about five years. He smiled at the thought.

'Hell, he had enough money from the bonuses alone to retire now, but it was always a challenge and the last five years had been exactly that!'

Then there was Eduardo. He was definitely the candidate for Europe without a doubt! Anyway he would love the new scenery, especially the European females.

Tito wouldn't necessarily have to move he could put the new person in the South American position, certainly closer to the two senior executives if things went wrong! Yes, that would work. Might cause problems with Gareth, but he would be the only one! He didn't want to lose Tito, he was a very fine man and it was his decision after all.

Now, the new candidate for the VP position was certainly something he had to consider well; the selection would have to take into account every senior manager in the corporation, which seemed to have produced several highly qualified applicants for him to consider.

The phone rang in his office.

"Strong."

"Sorry to bother you Paul, but I have Catherine on line one and Gareth on line two, which one do you want to take first?"  Celeste Johnson asked, she'd been Paul's aide for over ten years and he had never known anyone like her for efficiency, in his life.

Paul smiled.

"I'll take line two first, Catherine will wait." he smiled as he thought of his boss, she knew that the corporation came first and the day to day operations was his call.

Celeste smiled at her boss's tone; she knew that he was smiling. Catherine rarely called during normal office hours it was unheard of.

"Ms. Devonshire, Mr. Strong has just taken a call from the European VP, would you like me to get him to call you back?"  Celeste had met the woman a few times in her career at Xianthos, she was formidable but entirely fair in her dealings, or so it had always appeared to her.

Catherine looked at the time, if she put down the phone it might be another hour before Paul rang back and she would be bathing Lisa.

"I'll wait, thanks Celeste."

Celeste was surprised at her waiting. "What's the weather like in your part of the world Ms Devonshire?" It was better than the piped music, and no way was Celeste going to subject the owner of Xianthos to that!

Catherine was a little surprised that Paul's aide would try to converse with her, how times are changing, but at least it would be better than listening to the piped music. "Very cold, we had frost this morning, could be some snow on the way."

"Well it's just started to heat up here, in the seventies, so quite comfortable at the moment. My kids love the hot weather, wonder where they get it from sometimes." she said cheerfully.

Catherine smiled and thought of her two charges and wondered what they thought about the season changes. "Yes, kids appear to like hot weather, must be the thought of open spaces, holidays, swimming and generally getting up to mischief I would think," Catherine said in a relatively talkative way.

Celeste was surprised she hadn't expected much of a response to her chatter. She knew Ms Devonshire's background and that her immediate family was all dead including her only son.

"You have any children on the ranch?" It was open speculation.

Catherine wondered if the aide was being nosy or just making general conversation. She decided on the latter.

"I've got a couple of kids staying with me at the moment, only ever seen them with the cold weather, it will be interesting to see what they get up to in the summer months."

Celeste was amazed, should she say more or not? What the hell you only live once! "My son Richard, loves going boating with his father in the vacation time, but Gayle my youngest, she likes nothing better than sitting in the sun doing nothing in particular."

Catherine laughed at her description. "How old are your children Celeste?" she couldn't remember exactly how old Celeste might be, maybe mid-thirties, more or less, she didn't know, it had never been important.

"Richard is eighteen in a couple of weeks, goes to college next fall. Gayle is sixteen and making my heart stop from time to time with the number of interested young men who seem to want to get to know her. Guess you just never get over being worried about them, do you?"

Celeste said, forgetting whom she was talking to for the moment.

Catherine mulled that one over. "No, I guess you don't Celeste, but so long as they stay safe what more can any parent ask," she spoke solemnly thinking about Lucas.

A light going out on the console indicated that Paul had finished his conversation with the European VP. "Well, it was wonderful to talk to you Ms Devonshire. I will put you through to Mr Strong now, bye."

Catherine smiled, "Bye for now Celeste, oh and next time I'm on the line call me Catherine and let me know how your getting on with your children," with that she waited to be put through and a male voice answered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting Catherine, Gareth is getting up tight about your recent memo." Paul laughed softly at the remembered conversation.

"I'm sure you will handle it Paul." Catherine spoke with disinterest.

"I'm sure I will, so what can I do for you today, it's a little unusual to hear from you this time in the day?" Paul was curious.

"I had a snippet of information passed to me confidentially, that Hudson is ready to go for release of the documentary. I want access to it prior to release. No ifs or buts just send me a copy of the tape.  If you have any resistance, just get the lawyers involved!" Catherine spoke in a demanding voice.

Paul looked at the intercom thoughtfully, he had known that Catherine would get at Hudson eventually, but to suppress the documentary would only bring her even bigger publicity. "You going to veto the documentary altogether?"

"A...Paul, now why would you think I would be that malicious?" she laughed it came out as a low throaty expression that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"Not malicious, just payback on your terms." He ventured.

"The answer to your question is no, they can show everything except Destiny. It really is as simple as that!"

"Okay, I should have it to you by courier within the next five days."

"Fine. Oh, and Paul tell Hudson if she doesn't co-operate I'll personally come over and sort the issue out!"

"You know she might just take you up on that threat."

"If she does, then I guess I'll get to kill two birds with one stone. But believe me the other bird is far, far more important than Hudson." Catherine said in a gentle tone.

"Never thought I'd see you in LA?" Paul was surprised at the turn of the conversation.

"Who says I will be yet! I'd rather conduct any of my business anywhere else in the world, but it appears that affairs of the heart Paul, sometimes ignore your preferences." Catherine spoke in a casual tone.

Paul was once again surprised, so she did have a relationship with Jace Bardley, interesting. "That they do Catherine, that they do!"

Catherine was answering a question in the background.

"I have to go Paul, Grace left this afternoon and I have the dubious pleasure of bathing a seven year old tonight, no rest for the wicked it would seem." She laughed and waited for his response.

"You will miss Grace, she's a very fine asset to you on the ranch."

"An asset Paul? Really, you say the nicest things about people. Although you're right, I will miss her. Hell! I miss her now and she's only been gone about three hours. She's a good friend," her voice wistful.

"I better let you go, I'm going to contact the VP's tomorrow and let them know my decision on the global areas. Obviously, I will update you tomorrow also," he immediately went back to business efficiency mode.

"Great, do what you have to do. Bye," she placed the cell phone down on the desk.

Paul glanced back at the intercom. 'Wonder exactly how Jace Bardley feels about Catherine? Can't say I've ever seen her quite so laid back as she is at the moment. Love must agree with her.'  He chuckled at the thought of his boss in love and the object of that love, was so different from her that it was almost ludicrous.

He pulled out his personal diary and rang UCP direct.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-four

Catherine sat alone in the lounge and glanced at the book she had recently put down after reading to the children again. 'I wonder what my life would have been like if Lucas and I hadn't lost mother when we did? Wonder if Lucas would still be alive? Father might have come home more often and they would have been a family. Strange how mother always had a sense of the future and she knew deep down she wasn't going to be around to see our future.' Catherine idly thumbed through some of the pages of the book, and a small smile appeared as she read pieces that brought back her own memories.

Twenty-three years earlier:

The rambling house in a fashionable district in London was alive with laughter and people enjoying themselves in a party atmosphere.

It was Elena Devonshire's thirty-fifth birthday and just about everyone who was anyone in the publishing world was there. Stewart Devonshire had made sure his wife would enjoy the day in every way, he loved the woman to distraction, and she was his whole world. Even his children came a pale second to her and his business a necessary evil, he wanted Elena to have everything money could buy and he worked hard to achieve just that!

It was late afternoon and several of the guest requested that Elena do one of her party tricks, her two children were fascinated, it was their first grown up party and they had loved every minute of it.

"Please, you flatter me." Elena blushed as she eyed the numerous people sitting in various places in the large dining room.

Stewart came over to where the children sat with their nanny. "Your mama is very talented children, what will it be a song or some of those fortunes she tells from time to time?" he spoke into Catherine's ear but loud enough for Lucas to hear too.

Both children looked at their father and smiled brightly. "Oh I want a song daddy, mama sings nice songs." Lucas said in a loud voice, so that those seated close to them, laughed out loud.

Elena looked over at her family and knew that a conspiracy was a foot.

Stewart glanced down at his shy, gangly ten-year-old daughter. "What about you little princess, what do you want mama to do as her party piece?" he smiled at his daughter, she was at times difficult to get a sentence out of if she wasn't confident about something.

Ice blue eyes looked into his blue-green ones and smiled. "Fortunes daddy, she could tell fortunes." She continued to look earnestly at her father.

Elena looked over at her husband.

"My love it appears Lucas wants you to sing, but our little princess here wants you to tell fortunes. Your choice." He laughed and the other guests joined in.

Elena looked at her two expectant children, noting the excitement on her son's face and the quiet anticipation on her daughter's often-emotionless visage.

"I think I will not chose, I will sing a song for Lucas and tell some fortunes for my friends. There is a catch to the fortune telling though, my dear daughter will also get her fortune told, she requested the party piece after all." Elena noticed her daughter blush and gulp at the same time; she was so very shy that one.

Sometime later after a song and several fortunes being told, Elena was tiring and Stewart said enough was enough and the children had to go to bed. Elena rested her hand on husband's arm. "No, I have one more to do and I will do it as she gets ready for bed, the little princess." Smiling at her daughter, who had looked both relieved and a little disappointed by her father's announcement.

"Okay, my love, but don't take all night, we still have a party to finish." He pushed her gently towards the children making their way up the stairs to bed.

After her bath, Catherine looked into the brown eyes of her mother and waited.

Taking her hand and turning over the palm she looked at her daughter and spoke softly. "Catherine there will be times in your life that appear as if the god's themselves are out to defeat you, but take strength my child that you will survive and you will be the stronger for it. You will suffer tragedy, but I see a great, wonderful sense of peace that will be hard fought for and it will bring you a lasting happiness. Don't ever give up on love my daughter, because you have a great capacity for it, but the darkness that is in our ancestry will rear up and try to defeat it! Always remember that there is a one true love out there for everyone, and you will have that Catherine, but you may have to sacrifice everything that you hold dear to your heart to achieve it. Take council from a brown haired, brown eyed foreigner in the future, she will steer you towards your goal. But never fear daughter, I will always be there to hold your hand in the darkness that comes and goes, it is my destiny."

Elena looked into the ice blue eyes that held fascination and wonder, but also pain at the statement her mother had made. "Mama will you always be there to hold my hand in the darkness, even when I'm older?" came a tentative question.

Elena smiled wistfully at her elder child, so solemn this one, so full of promise and yet so full of tragedy too! "Oh yes, never fear Catherine, no matter what, I will definitely hold your hand, you just need to think of me and I will be there, it is my destiny. Just as you will have a different destiny marked for you one day." She gently pulled the covers over her daughter as she got into bed.

"I love you mama, never ever leave us." It was the plea of a child not yet ready to consider the consequences of the journey of life before them.

"I love you too Catherine, never ever forget that!" Elena kissed her cheek and left the room.

Catherine wondered what her mother meant by all those words, it was far too much for her mind to understand. Mama would tell her again when she was older, for now it was sufficient to know that she would always have her mama near at hand.

The present:

Catherine wiped a tear from her cheek as the memory invaded her space, her lonely life; one she had purposely sought was now closing in on her.

'Had her mother been right? Was there a person out there who could bring her peace and love? Sometimes she wanted to believe in Adam's theory of soulmates, never more so than in recent weeks but....... Yes, there always seems to be a 'but' in my life. I cannot let the past go; it darkens my doorstep too often to think about trying for a life with someone new. I cannot take another round of deaths of people I love, it would break my heart all over again, and only this time I'm not sure I would ever survive it! Mama if you hear me, I could do with a hand to hold about now!'

Catherine looked again at the book and placed it on the fireside table, knowing the futility of her childish thoughts.

She closed her eyes and wondered what Jace was doing right about now.

~ ~ ~

Jace had arrived at her parents around dinner, it was rare she visited them during the working week, but today had been difficult to cope with and veiled threats by Hudson, just set her on edge.

Seeing her mother in the kitchen, she went in to greet her.

"Mom, what's for dinner?" Jace happily hugged the surprised woman, who was the same height as her daughter, but much more heavily proportioned.

"Jace, what made you come out here tonight? Not that it isn't good to see you." said the smiling woman as she smiled green eye to green.

"Can't a girl come and see her family from time to time huh?"

"As the girl in question is my eldest daughter, absolutely. It's good to see you Jace, you haven't been here for over two months."

"I've been out of the country, I told Dad, when I rang him last."

"No worries my dear, come on let me see if you've lost any more weight with this job in Hollywood." Her mother gently chastised her daughter with a twinkle in the eyes.

"Oh Mom, it's not that bad and anyway I caught a virus over in New Zealand, "she held up her hand as her mother tried to get a word in.

"It's okay Mom, no harm done, I'm fine. I was well looked after, you would have liked the people I stayed with at the time." Jace pictured her mother getting to know the stoic woman she'd lost her heart too, it brought a smile to her face.

"In that case I'd better feed you up then; come on your Dad and Lucy are in the study, talking as always. She's nearly as bad as you for talking constantly, only she doesn't have your persuasive skills with your Father." Tugging her eldest child along, they went towards the study.

There in the chair, at a much used desk sat a grey haired, ruggedly handsome man of about sixty; he generated confidence and happiness about him. He was conversing with a five foot eight inch young woman who had his blue eyes and blonde hair from her mother. At fifteen she was challenging her father to something with all the enthusiasm of youth.

"Well you two, we have a guest for dinner." Her mother pushed Jace into the room.

"Jace." Came two voices simultaneously. Both rushed forward to hug her in welcome.

"It's great to see you Jace, have you got a holiday it's the middle of the week?" her Father asked in interest.

"Oh come on Dad, Jace never takes any holidays, that place must owe her weeks and weeks," Lucy replied for her sister.

Jace ruefully looked at the two and smiled deeply, this was her family home, and she knew that she would always be welcome here no matter what happened in her life. "No holidays but I guess I was feeling kinda lonely." Well it was true; she was lonely now without Catherine.

"Looks like a decent meal wouldn't come a miss either Jace." Her father looked at the fashionably slim woman in front of him.

"Ah come on Dad I've just had that conversation with Mom; let's catch up on some gossip until dinner arrives."

They talked for about half an hour and then during dinner.

Lucy helped her mother to clear away as father and eldest daughter went into the lounge to await them.

Jason Bardley looked at his daughter with concern. Although she had been talking, it had appeared to him to be somewhat subdued conversation on her part. "You going to keep an old man in suspense Jace?" her father asked with a grin across his expressive face.

Jace turned to her father and returned the grin. "I never could keep anything from you could I Dad?"

"Never, so come on what's worrying my little girl?"

"I guess it's work mainly, Hudson has been a little vindictive of late, she's not the easiest to work with but recently she's been more difficult. She called me naive today, maybe I am. But what she wants I just can't give her that information, no matter how trivial it might be! Does that make any sense to you Dad?" she said in a quiet sad voice.

Jason looked at his eldest daughter, he knew that losing the publishing business six years ago had broken her heart; it had been something she had always wanted to do ever since she had started to walk and gone to the office on occasions with him.

She'd said that one day 'Bards Publishing' would publish a book she had written. Then the bubble had burst and he wasn't even sure if she wrote in her journal anymore, never mind the book she'd always dreamed of.

Jason had always known his eldest daughter had an almost idealic lookout on life; she never judged anyone always looking for the best in everyone no matter the circumstances. But it was also always going to hurt her one-day. All he wanted was an opportunity to be there when it did and help with the disappointment, maybe this was the time!

"Jace, you have an understanding of people that can be both a gift that hurts or brings great joy. Sometimes it's perceived as naïve, then again it can be a strength too, all depends on who you talk too." Her father looked at her intensely. "That's not all though is it Jace?"

Jace shook her head and returned his stare. "No, I've met someone Dad. Only thing is I know I love them but they don't seem to want to take a chance."

Jason had wondered when it would be that she would fall in love. Jace had never given much time to romance always saying it had to be that special person before she wanted to play in that arena. There had always been the odd skirmish with the boy next door and the couple of college friends; certainly in the last five years or more nothing or not anything she was willing to admit too!

"Wonderful news Jace, is it someone we know?" he asked gently.

Jace rose out of the chair and walked over to the window. "No, you wouldn't know them. In fact they live in New Zealand. We sort of became friends when I had to stay at the ranch to recuperate after catching a virus. Strange how the fates have put a distance between us, almost as if they're on her side." Jace whispered barely audible.

Jason wasn't sure if he'd heard right 'her side'? He had always brought his children up to respect other people's beliefs and choices in life but he was a little surprised that his daughter had chosen to become a member of a minority group. Which frequently went through the mangle at any available opportunity at the hands of bigoted and small-minded people. "You say she doesn't love you, why would that be Jace?" he asked concerned.

The young woman turned to him and realised she had let it slip that the love of her life was a woman! "You know something Dad?"

"What would that be daughter?" He bantered back.

"Have I told you recently how much I love you and how well you brought us up?" She said a tear welling up in her eyes.

"Well, come to think of it not recently." He smiled and held out his arms for her to come into a much needed hug.

"Oh Daddy, what am I going to do, she's so.........so out of reach. Not just the distance physically but mentally she just wont let go of the past, and although I know she likes me as a friend I'm not sure if she even wants a relationship beyond that! Hades, she was married and had a son, so maybe it's just my hormones Dad," Jace spoke thickly into her father's shoulder.

"Jace, I've known you for what," he smiled at the rueful look he got from his daughter. "Okay, all of twenty-five years and this is not your hormones Sweetheart. Although you might have to consider, that your friend doesn't have the depth of love you have for her, you are going to have to come to terms with that and respect it. Can you do that Jace, can you just be her friend and not want more than she's willing to give?"

Jace looked into her Father's concerned face with tearful eyes, "I love her dad, if all she can give me is friendship, I have to live with that and I will. Because I can't live with the thought of not having her in my life at all, just the thought of it hurts too much!"

"Then Jace, you are going to be okay. Hell! Who in their right mind wouldn't love you in the end? Just give it time, and they say patience has it's own reward, you never know Jace, yours might just be.......sorry you never did say her name?"

"Catherine, she's called Catherine Warriorson," she said softly.

"Well, your reward might just go by the name of Catherine." He smiled and held his daughter in a warm comforting hug. At the same time thinking that the name was familiar and an echo of the past in some strange way.

"Thanks Dad, I'm really pleased I came home. I always know you're there for me!" Jace said thankfully.

"We are all here for you Jace never forget that! Now come on lets dry those tears your mother and sister will be coming in soon and you know what it's like if they pick up on juicy gossip." He laughed into her blonde hair.

"Yeah, like I'd never get home this side of next week," she laughed along with her father. Somehow everything was going to be all right. It was just a matter of a little faith.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-five

Paul Strong wearily got up from his chair, putting a hand across his brow. 'That woman was the very devil incarnate,' he thought as he'd concluded a very interesting conversation with Clarissa Hudson.

It was late and he wanted to get home and pack, before heading off to LA on a late evening flight. James would be excited at his arrival, it was going to be a surprise and how! Especially, when he told him the whole story. He smiled in anticipation of his partner's response, and picking up his briefcase and switched out the lights as he left his palatial office. On his way down from the thirtieth floor, which was the executive level he mused over his conversation with Hudson.

"Clarissa Hudson speaking," answered the sweet tone of the woman who was anything but.

"Clarissa, this is Strong from Xianthos in New York, have you got a few minutes to talk?" Paul spoke in a brusque tone.

Clarissa started out of her chair in surprise, that the most powerful person in Xianthos, other than the owner herself was calling. 'Now I wonder why?' she smirked as she knew damn well.

"Sure Paul, go ahead," never one to miss an opportunity.

"I have a request from Ms Devonshire. She wished to look at the new documentary by Peter Adamson, prior to it being released."

Hudson smiled, "Now that is an interesting request, this is the first time she has ever taken an interest in UCP, I'm flattered," she said sarcastically.

"Well don't be! We won't beat around the bush, you know as well as I do why she wants to see the tape," Paul snarled into the phone.

"Touchy subject I see Paul, pity she couldn't have come up with a much better disguise to remain anonymous. I'm only the Producer, not the Writer or Director of the documentary."

"I think you did a good job in steering them directly into her path."

"Me? No, I suspect she shouldn't have taken one of the team into her home, if she didn't want to feel any repercussions." Clarissa felt quite pleased with herself; this conversation was heading right into her hands.

"So you are saying that Ms Bardley is instrumental in some of the 'facts' on the tape involving the 'Destiny' ranch." Paul was puzzled, he didn't think Jace would give any information, not if she was involved with Catherine on a personal level, but then.......

"Let's just say, Jace knows who pays her salary every month." Hudson stated simply.

"Well, that would be Xianthos then wouldn't it!" Paul answered scathingly.

"Oh, petty point Paul, she works for UCP not Xianthos, she knows that and is very happy with the situation."

"The fact remains that I need you to send me a copy of the tape, when will I see it?" Paul had digested the information.

He heard a faint laugh at the end of the line. "Don't worry Paul, you will see a copy on your office desk tomorrow evening, I will wait for the almighty Ms Devonshire to stick her two pennies in, but then it gets released!"

"Leave it with your secretary tomorrow by lunch, I will get it picked up. Have a good day Ms Hudson." He put down the phone.

Paul contemplated the conversation; he could warn Catherine about the comments made by Hudson regarding Jace and her participation in the tape. Then again, it could be nothing and he would have looked a fool.

The doors opened and he stepped out into the lobby noting the evening sky with its multitude of colours. He smiled and headed out of the swinging doors.

~ ~ ~

Colin glanced at his boss, who was lounging negligently over the railing to the paddock, watching the two youngsters with their riding lessons.

She looked relaxed and very beautiful, although if you looked deeply enough into her eyes you could see the veiled sadness held there. Not many-dared look into her eyes, so few people would ever see it. He had! At breakfast that morning they discussed the ranch, it's opportunities at length, being interrupted only by the motherly figure of one Doris Gladstone, the woman who was helping out until Grace came home. He had looked at her and seen the sadness there, not very far from the sadness in his own he suspected. Unrequited love was one hell of a burden to carry around, for his part anyway.

"They're doing well Ma'am," he said politely as she glanced around and saw him looking at her.

"Yes, I noticed." She answered quietly and went back to her observation.

"Jake is a natural you know, once he's told, it's as if he's always known how to do the exercise. Were you like that Ma'am?"

Catherine turned to him and bit of an angry retort. "I thought I told you to call me Catherine?" she responded.

He looked flustered and nodded. "You did, guess old habits."

She shook her head, "No, not old habits, just stubborn men I think, and the answer to your question is yes."

He pushed his hat back on his head and regarded the girl on the pony, she had a toothless grin plastered on her face as she tried but failed to catch up to Jake on his larger pony. "Lisa is a little different as you can see." He smiled. He'd been enchanted by the little girl from the first time he'd met her.

"So I see, I wonder how she's stays on the pony?" Catherine also smiled briefly at the sight of the little girl pushing the pony forward but slipping continuously in the saddle.

"Diamond likes her I guess."

"How old is the pony?"

"Oh, he's the eldest one on the ranch, was going to retire him but thought he might like to get to know one more rider before he gets his rest. Not sure now if that was a mistake or not." He laughed at the thought of the old pony and the excited child that first day out.

She'd pulled at his mane and tail as she executed various stages of falling off the pony, he'd even pinched her back at one stage, but she never looked scared and he'd eventually nuzzled her at the end of the session.

"Will he stay the course do you think?" Catherine asked with interest.

"Diamond?' He looked for confirmation and she nodded, "Oh yes, she has him eating out of the palm of her hand, quite literally." Colin laughed.

"Not the only one she has eating out of her hand I suspect." Catherine levelled him a wry look and moved away from the fence.

Colin turned crimson and pulled himself over the railings to enter the paddock.

"You know something Colin," she continued without waiting for him to answer but noted that he turned in her direction. "She has the same effect on me too!" Then walked over to the barn and her exercise with Tralargon.

He watched her body swing into action towards the barn, she certainly moved with power and grace; he shook his head from wayward thoughts.

~ ~ ~

Jace enjoyed the rest of the evening with her family; it had helped to talk to her Father. When she'd been a child it had always been Daddy she went too, even on the most diverse subjects including sex! Her father had never turned her away, always explaining patiently what his daughter needed to know, although his wife had coached him on the questions she'd thrown at him about sex. Jace had been embarrassed, but laughed when he had explained that year she was home from college and they had been reminiscing.

'Now I've openly discussed my love for Catherine Warriorson, funny it hadn't been as hard to say it, as I thought it would be.  There again I was only talking to my Dad! Hades she had to approach the subject with Catherine, now that was one wonderful but scary thought.'

Smiling, she contemplated the time in New Zealand and wondered if a phone call would be well received. "Hey, all that can happen is she's out!" Jace said out loud to her empty apartment and picked up her phone and dialled the number.

What seemed to be minutes but was only around thirty seconds the tone changed and she knew it was ringing.

Waiting.

Jace looked at her computer and she thought that maybe it would be better to just send e-mail.

Suddenly the phone was picked up and an unfamiliar voice spoke.

"Warriorson residence, how may I help you?"

"Ha........ I'm sorry, hello this is Jace Bardley is Mrs Warriorson available?" Jace stuttered wondering who the stranger was at the end of the phone.

"Well, I will check. Is she expecting your call?" The woman asked Jace perceived her as being mature she had a motherly tone.

"No, no she's not but I'm sure she will take the call if she knows it's me." Jace almost pleaded with the woman.

"Be right back my dear." The phone was placed on the hall table Jace could just picture it.

Waiting.

She then heard solid footsteps making there way towards the area of the hall the phone was placed down in.

Jace took a deep breath hopefully it was Catherine.

"Hi, Jace?" came a low voice which she immediately recognised and that brought a blush to her cheeks.

"Catherine, hi yourself." She giggled at the other end to hide her sudden nervousness.

"Look Jace, this isn't the best place to chat. Give me a few seconds to get to the study and we will talk, be right back." She placed the phone back down and Jace heard her moving down the hall. Calling to someone called Doris to put the phone back on the hook when she picked it up at her end.

Catherine rushed over to her phone in the study and picked the instrument up and Doris then put down the other phone.  Hearing the click, Catherine cleared her throat of its sudden dryness.

'Jesus, was she nervous of talking to Jace? God I really must have it bad.'

"So Jace, what brings about this call? Not that I mind you understand it's great to hear from you! How are you by the way?"  Catherine spoke very fast.

"Hey hold on catch your breath I'm fine, and you?" Jace smiled as she tried to picture the woman at the other end.

"I'm good, all the better for hearing your voice." Catherine said it without thinking. Now what would Jace think?

"Glad to hear that because I feel the same. In fact that was the reason I called I wanted to listen to your voice. Stupid I guess." Jace smiled self-consciously.

Catherine smiled brightly at the admission. "No Jace, not stupid but it's going to be costly for you." Catherine laughed to ease the tension.

"Yes, well for my best friend I can afford it."

"Best friend huh? Well best friend I guess that next time I get to call and we waste some of my ill-gotten gains?"

"Sounds good to me what about Sunday, we could talk all day?"

"Please.... Don't you think I have things to do on a Sunday?" Catherine laughed and wanted nothing more than to do just that!

"Ah, almost forgot you have responsibilities. Speaking of which, how are the children doing?"

"Good, both appear to be settling in and they are both learning to ride so they can come for rides with me and Tralargon."

"You spoil them Catherine and I wouldn't wonder if you're not worse now that Grace has gone! By the way when is she coming back?"

"She called yesterday but she wasn't sure, just wanted to let me know that she arrived okay. I worry about her when she drives long distances, the leg gives her some pain from time to time, but she rarely says anything." Catherine said softly.

"You miss her don't you?" Jace was almost jealous, Hades she was jealous, at least Grace was in the same country, she wasn't!

"Yes."

"So, you going to come over and see me anytime soon?" Jace moved off the subject.

"Jace, you ask me on every e-mail and the answer is still the same. But I love the fact that you keep asking me." Catherine answered in a sultry voice.

"Speaking of which."

"Which?" Catherine said puzzled.

"Oh love, I was thinking about love," Jace answered almost absently her train of thought scattering.

"I see. Any reason other than the fact that maybe you might have fallen in love?" Catherine cringed at the thought but asked anyway.

Jace went quiet, how to answer that!

She was so slow in answering that Catherine spoke again.

"So have you?" She went quiet at her end.

"Well, yes and no really." Jace finally answered.

Catherine looked at the phone in her hand almost as if it was burning into her palm and frowned. "It is either yes or no! I'm not sure the object of your desire would like to be on the receiving end of a halfway statement."

"Have you ever fallen in love Catherine?" Jace already knew the answer to that.

"No, well maybe that's not strictly true," and added silently 'Not now anyway.'

"So, you have just used the yes no scenario." Jace laughed at her end.

"I guess I did; do I know him?" Catherine asked quietly.

"Him? No you don't know 'him'," she answered equally as quietly.

"I see. Guess you knew him before you came here?" A sick feeling was building in the pit of her stomach and it was almost a temptation to finish the conversation now.

"I think I've always known the person in my heart, but I fell in love with them almost from the first time I saw their eyes look into mine such beautiful eyes too! No, I met the person in New Zealand," had she said enough, she hoped so.

Catherine tried to digest the information. 'Who on earth had she met here? Was it someone prior to 'Destiny', or was it on the ranch? Who had she responded too?' Catherine was trying to decipher all the signals.

"You gone to sleep on me out there Catherine?" Jace chuckled she could almost hear the wheels turning in Catherine's head.

"What! No Jace, sorry, I was thinking." She said sheepishly.

"Must have been some thought you were having?"

"It was."

"Did you come to a conclusion?" Jace held her breath.

"No," was the plaintiff response.

"When you do let me know will you I'm always interested in your opinion especially about this particular person." Jace smiled and wished she had more time to tweak Catherine, it was late and she had to get some sleep. For someone as worldly wise as Catherine Warriorson, it sure took a hammer and chisel to get her to see the point!

"Oh Jace Bardley, never fear you're top of the list with the comments on the person you have fallen in love with, believe me!"

"I have to go Catherine, it was good to hear your voice."

"Same here Jace, sleep well."

"Behave yourself Catherine, and I lo.....look forward to your call on the weekend," she finished weakly.

"Bye Jace, I....." Catherine had no more words.

"Yes, I know," Jace said softly as she hung up the phone.

Catherine starred at the instrument and became thoughtful.

Jace looked at her apartment and noticed how lonely it appeared, she headed for bed and sleep, which wouldn't come easily tonight. At least she still had Taz to keep her company, but who would keep Catherine's bad dreams at bay she wondered?

~ ~ ~

Catherine sank back into the depths of the leather armchair behind her desk. Her hand touched the mouthpiece of the phone and she sighed heavily. 'I know you deserve to be happy Jace, but......but I wanted to share that happiness with you! God, how I want that to be part of my new life; I guess creating a new life is okay but getting people to participate in it is quite something else! So my friend, who are you in love with?'

Her head dropped onto the back of the chair and she closed her eyes to contemplate what Jace had said. 'How long were you in New Zealand Jace? Couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks and one of those with me!"  Her face held a frown as she concentrated.

Suddenly her eyes blinked open in shock. 'Oh God, how could I not see it! She loves ME!' The knowledge not only hit her squarely in the chest, but it made sense out of all the conversations that she'd had with Jace.

'What could she do now? She wanted Jace to be happy; I couldn't possibly let her follow the reclusive life that I feel comfortable with. She's so young and is on the threshold of life, I'm just not the person you take home to the parents as a prospective in-law, hell, did I say that?' Catherine laughed at the thought.

'Jace why me? Why offer me your heart, I could only bring you unhappiness, if only you knew me, how you think you know me! Christ, but I so want to have what your offering me and I would love you for eternity if I could make it happen.'

Glancing at the photos of her parents and brother and then her son she smiled. 'You would want me to be happy, I know some things you just have to sacrifice for the pain you have caused in the past and I've done that for sure, especially to Adam and Maria.'

A single tear trailed down the high cheekbones and splashed on the desk. 'Maybe if I told her everything and Jace decides if she still wants me could I do that? YES!'

That would be the only answer she could ever give, better she was left the lonely one after she told Jace. Hadn't she chosen that particular scenario for herself anyway, now it would just hurt a little more but as with everything she would get used to it. At least Jace would have the chance not to be part of her dubious future, which no matter what always seemed to end in darkness.  Now, that darkness potentially had the chance to take the one hope she had seen for a light at the end of her particularly dark tunnel.

"Funny I never saw myself as a noble person before now! That's one thing you have given me Jace, those children out there may thank you one day."

Once again looking at the family photo she directed her gaze to the older woman. "You know something Mama, I think I need that hand to hold again about now, any takers?" she touched the framed photo and gently rubbed her finger over the silhouette of her mother.

Then rose out of the chair and left the room abruptly.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-six

Catherine was fuming, her hand smashed down on the desk more times than she cared to acknowledge.

Doris had discretely removed herself from the study, after delivering the package earlier and the tea that Catherine requested, as she ripped open the parcel.

Stalking over to the video recorder, she placed the tape inside and set it running, full running time was sixty minutes, but she was only interested in the footage on 'Destiny', that would be towards the end of the tape she perceived.

The narrator was smooth, had a very cultured voice and made the scenery sparkle with life and information as each segment was described in detail.

Moving to the part depicting 'Destiny' and its owner, the narrative changed, from being a compulsive piece of documentary film to adversarial. The mention of the owner of the ranch being a recluse, the breakdown of communications between the owner and the film crew, leading to them being left in a wild spot without protection on a stormy day and subsequently the illness of one of the party; this showed a picture of an arrogant, selfish landowner attitude to anyone that came within miles of the property. This, along with flashes of the arrogance of the English aristocracy in the previous centuries to colour the narrative, as well as the beauty of the ranch was hidden behind archaic policies and attitudes from its present owner, Catherine Warriorson.  The adverse narrative depicted Catherine as a modern day tyrant.

The desk was now a punching bag and when she was finished, she wished she'd just gone down to the gym. Her knuckles were raw and bleeding and the curses streaming from her mouth, enough to keep even the most courageous away from her at the moment.

"What sort of fucking documentary is that supposed to be?" Catherine shouted at the now empty screen in front of her. Walking around her desk she noticed that her tea was spilt and most of her papers she had on the desk had been stained by the beige liquid.

"I can't believe she did this, she knew I would veto it, what the hell is she up too?" Catherine was speaking out loud, although in a much lower tone than when she first started the tirade.

"Jace hadn't given any bloody interview, of this she was certain, Hudson had used certain facts and twisted them to her own ends. Okay I get to clear this up personally Hudson, and not just the video." Catherine almost snarled at the thought of Hudson and her cocky attitude.

"Fuck you Hudson! I'm going to make you pay, and how." She headed out of the door; her hand needed some treatment and about now some hot tea wouldn't come amiss as well.

Thinking as she went to the kitchen Paul would be in his office in a few hours, she was certainly going to enjoy that call.

~ ~ ~

Paul had always known that Catherine would veto the documentary, but she now wanted it all recycled, not just the piece on 'Destiny' but everything and she wasn't up for any argument.

For the first time in years, he heard her voice take on the demon edge it possessed particularly when she was involved with nasty take-over deals. This wasn't a take-over but it was going to be nasty. He doubted that Hudson would take it gracefully, oh no, not the vindictive Hudson.

Could be an interesting confrontation though one super bitch against another and he knew whom his money would be on!

He smiled as he recalled James' face as he'd explained his new role and where he was going to have the headquarters. If someone had told him that a smile could literally transform a person's face, he wouldn't have believed it until he saw it for himself and he certainly saw that on the face of his partner. He chuckled and looked out of the window of the house that belonged to James, which he also called home, that is when he managed to get the time to visit.

It was Saturday morning and they had decided that today was going to be a day off from work, and they would just enjoy the day. Ending up having a long leisurely dinner at home, their time together was so short that going out was something they didn't contemplate unless it was absolutely necessary.

He wondered about Jace Bardley and considered his options; Hudson had implied things that Jace had said. But Catherine never mentioned any of that when she called, he had been right to ignore her jibes, if Catherine thought something was wrong she would deal with it in her way!

'Well James, I guess I'm going to make that call Monday and watch from a distance, the fireworks should be interesting. Next time we have a dinner party, I think a certain Jace Bardley should be invited, now that would be really interesting!'

He smiled and went in search of his sleeping lover who seldom got out of bed before noon on the weekends!

~ ~ ~

Sunday dawned bright and early for Jace she was so excited! No, she was more than excited if her stomach was anything to go by.

'Surely Catherine would have realised the identity of her prospective lover by now! Yes, but would she admit it if it wasn't what she wanted too?' Jace frowned at the thought and her stomach did a somersault that had nothing to do with excitement. Walking over to her computer she switched on and waited for the log in prompt. Padding over to the kitchen area she retrieved the items to make coffee and set it up and then went back to log in the computer.

Wading through her messages that she hadn't collected for a couple of days she saw one from Catherine. Quickly opening it she smiled at the contents.

Hello Jace,

Thought I had better give you some indication of the time when I would call. How does ten in the morning to you sound? Okay, I'm going to go for it anyway, in the hope that you're at least awake and if not I get the privilege of being the wake-up call. Not bad for being thousands of miles apart, don't you think?

I have an appointment with the Reverend after our call later today, as it's Monday here already things are in the normal routine. The kids will be in school so I haven't the interruptions; hope you get to read this before I ring.

Catherine

Jace smiled at the message, ever thoughtful, this woman tried to cover all the bases. Now that meant that the call would be in, Hades about now!

Snagging a cup of coffee she managed to get a bagel as well, just as the phone rang. Walking swiftly over to the instrument, she put her cup down and bagel on top of the cup and picked up the phone.

"Hi." Jace spoke softly.

"Hi, yourself Jace. How are you today? Did you get my message?" Catherine spoke in a low gravely voice.

"Catherine I'm fine and you? Oh, and yes I got the message you think of everything." Jace laughed trying to picture Catherine at the end of the line, what would she be wearing? Was she sitting in her chair behind the desk or walking round the room?

"Yes I'm fine too! When did you wake up?" She pictured Jace having just got out of bed and being somewhat tousled and dishevelled.

"About fifteen minutes ago, haven't showered yet, I can do that later." Jace was now sprawled out on the couch with her feet up on the coffee table.

"Sounds good to me, want any help?" Catherine teased from her end.

"What! Help? Zeus Catherine do you know what you're saying?" Jace spluttered at the end of her line and almost kicked the cup of coffee over at the mere thought of the help involved.

"Guess, it wouldn't be a good idea then. Pity I'm very good with a sponge so the kids say anyway." She finished off a wicked smile on her face.

"Jake let's you near him with a sponge?" Jace was incredulous. What was happening here? Whatever it was let it continue on forever.

"Well, no, not exactly. I have to chase him with the sponge sometimes when he comes from the stables. No, Lisa does though she's a really pampered little girl that one." Catherine let out a soft sultry laugh.

Jace grinned and felt her heart beat faster at the sound of the laugh. "Let me get this right. Reclusive C X Warriorson chases dirty-faced boys around her stables with a sponge, then pampers little girls who can twist her round her little finger with a luxury bath. Does that about cover it?" Laughing at the mental picture it brought up.

Catherine looked out of the window and smiled. "Just about I guess. Only it's not just little girls that can do that now is it?"

"You want to clarify that for me?" Jace asked quietly.

"Oh, I like to think my best friend has a quick intelligence that can work that one out all on her own." Catherine teased.

"Yeah! So, that means me then?" Jace replied.

"Means you what?"

"Means I can twist you round my little finger too!"

The silence that hung in the air was electric.

"Yes." One solitary word that brought about a thousand and one scenarios and possibilities.

Jace sipped from her coffee and cleared her throat. "Have you come to a conclusion after our discussion of the other evening?"

Catherine moved back to her desk and sat down. Trailing a finger over the portrait of her deceased family she smiled sadly at the group that had been held for a split second of time. Had it been so long ago?

Jace waited patiently at her end not wanting to push her into something she wasn't prepared for.

"You know I thought long and hard about what you said and I know the answer. Can't say that I'm impressed with your choice though." Catherine spoke seriously a smile edging her lips.

"What! Catherine you're fooling me! Let me tell you..........!" Jace was spluttering at the other end.

"Hey, hold on Jace, let me tell you something first, you did ask remember?" Catherine spoke with determination.

"Right! Yes I did, carry on, sorry," came the mumbled reply.

"Good! For your choice does feel the same way and is honoured beyond any shadow of a doubt about what you're offering her!" Catherine slowly answered the question.

"Catherine, do you really feel the same?" responded Jace shyly.

"Jace Bardley, I fell in love with you the night you entered my study in those ridiculously large clothes and those bare feet, hell, who wouldn't have fallen for you!" Catherine admitted in a low seductive voice.

"I can't believe this is happening. Why are you so far away from me!" Jace spoke with passion; all she wanted to do was hug and kiss the woman that held her heart.

"Hey, listen Jace, I need to talk to you about lots of things and that can't be done over the phone or on e-mail. Grace isn't back for another few weeks and then I have a couple of business matter to take care of. Then I'm coming over to see you okay?"

"I don't need to talk Catherine, I need to see you, and touch you and let you experience exactly what my love means."

"Jace, talking is important, especially about me! I need you to know everything that I was and what I've done in the past. Then, if you still love me well, I think we can sort something out on a more permanent basis what do you think?" Catherine smiled at the thought of seeing the passion she heard in Jace's voice manifest itself just for her.

"Whatever you tell me Catherine will never shake this love I have for you, that much you have to believe!" Jace spoke with conviction.

"I hope so Jace, because I've never been in love before and this feeling isn't one that I want to lose, ever!"

"I promise you Catherine, whatever, and I mean whatever you have to tell me about your past, I will be there for you after all is said and done, you can count on me!" Jace sounded as if she was trying to convince a child about going to the dentist, but then Catherine was a child in many ways when it came to the romantic relationship area.

"Good, that's one promise I'm going to hold you too! Let me say one thing though Jace it's important!"

"Go ahead I'm listening."

"If you hear what I have to say and then find you can't keep that promise, you have to tell me. Don't let me hurt you as I've hurt others in the past, you have to promise me that!"

"I wont do that to you....." Catherine interrupted her. "Promise me!"

Jace had tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. "I.....I promise." She answered in a slightly hoarse voice.

"Excellent. Now, what do I get this little wonder kid called Lisa for her birthday next week?" Catherine realised that the emotions were running too high for the present conversation to continue being thousands of miles apart; she went on to more normal conversation items.

"It's Lisa's birthday? How old is she?" Jace knew when the subject had been closed, if only temporarily, she knew why and smiled through the tears.

"Eight on Thursday, Jake will be eleven in three months; so what do you think?"

"I think you should take her shopping and let her chose something herself. Okay, you don't have to take Jake too," knowing Catherine would be putting on a face at her end.

"Oh, that kid will do as he's told or he doesn't get to ride Ruby for a day. That is the only punishment I can meter out the boy understands. He expects to be beaten I think when he rebels, not my style and certainly Grace wouldn't ever lift a hand to them.  Guess his parents thought corporal punishment was the answer, at least he doesn't have to go through that sort of abuse again."  Catherine meandered off and Jace had to stifle a chuckle as she thought of the stoic woman who most would assume that hitting a kid to discipline them would be right on target for her.

"You know, I think those kids are having a great time now, I know they will miss their parents from time to time particularly Lisa. Catherine you have provided a stable background for them to be brought up in, to be whatever they want to be in the future. You should be proud."

Laughing at the thought she responded. "Let's get them to twenty-one shall we, then we can decide if they have enjoyed living on 'Destiny'."

"Are you asking me to help you raise two children Catherine?" Jace asked, wondering if it was a slip of the tongue.

"Would you if I asked?"

"Yes."

"Then let's get that talk out of the way and we can work on that little scenario, okay?"

"You betcha! So you going to take Lisa shopping or have you something else in mind?" Jace changed the subject this time, although her heart was racing at the mere thought of spending the rest of her life with Catherine.

"Shopping is a good idea, next weekend sounds about right. Did I tell you that she gave me her tooth, which had fallen out to leave for the fairies" Catherine's voice wistful as the memory came to hand.

"She did what!' Catherine explained the situation. "Well, that child sure does love you Catherine to do something like that." Jace said in wonder.

"No! No I think she just felt sorry for me." Catherine spoke absently. 'Had it been love, or was it just a sense of sadness she had felt coming from me? Maybe I will never know for sure, but it made me feel really good.'

"I think she loves you. What did you get under your pillow that night Catherine?" Jace teased.

"I never put it under my pillow," she said solemnly, very much as she had spoken to Lisa that day.

"So you never got to receive a gift that day." Jace said quietly.

"Oh, I got a gift alright Jace but I didn't need to put the tooth under any pillow, the child had already weaved her magic on me!  She gave me back another part of my heart that day, a part that died the day my Mother died, she opened it up and I will never forget that again." Catherine said in an almost awed voice.

"Then my love you did indeed get a gift that day," a choked voice answered back.

"Yes, what have you got planned for the next week?" Catherine pushed on into neutral emotionless topics.

~ ~ ~

Her call to Jace had gone better than she had anticipated. At the end of the conversation, which had lasted about three hours all told, was with emotion, but a promise that held a future or hopefully it did.

'I hope you can keep your promises Jace, something tells me to trust you implicitly, but another part of me is holding back, what if you can't handle what I have to say, what then of Love?'

Her car was heading towards the suburb that held the Reverend's house, he was at home today, but insisted she come to see him there, after all she was doing him a favour. Parking the car in the large drive, she walked quickly to the front door and rang the bell.

Moments later the door was held open by a very distracted Reverend Stott, who looked like he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards.

"Ah, Mrs Warriorson, I'm sorry for my appearance, the dog got out of the garden and I've been chasing him around the neighbourhood, just got him back. Come in, come in." He motioned her forward.

"Thanks." Catherine couldn't help the small grin that appeared and quickly left as the Reverend looked at her immaculate appearance in close fitting black cord pants and a thick twill blouse, her leather airforce jacket slung casually over her shoulder; leather hiking boots in brown soft leather finished off the casual but cool image. Her hair was held in a loose fitting ponytail, which hung in neat precision down the centre of her back. Ice blue eyes held a hint of merriment as she walked into the house.

"This way, Mrs Warriorson, I think my study would be the best place for a conversation. Let me tell my wife you're here and she can bring us some refreshments. What would you prefer Tea or Coffee or.........?"

"Tea is fine, thanks." She followed him to the study and walked inside as he left her to talk to his wife.

She noted the large pine desk, with a green leather bucket chair and a multitude of books in the bookcases or stacked in corners of the room, it looked untidy, but had a comfortable feel about the place.

She walked over to the window and glanced out over the lawn and saw the vegetable patch, with its winter selection taking life, then the birdbath and stand that obviously saw activity at all times of the year. It was a typically average sort of garden really for this part of the world.

The Reverend returned a little more composed and glanced in her direction and smiled. "Do you have a love of the garden?" He asked politely.

"Not really, Grace my housekeeper likes to keep a garden. I'm more for the open spaces myself; the natural wonders of nature have always fascinated me. Although it's nice to see them, reminds me of back home in England," she finished in a reflective mood.

The Reverend, not one to miss an opportunity to know more about a person asked, "Do you miss England?"

Catherine smiled wryly. "Not really. I no longer have family there to make me miss it too much, but sometimes things bring back memories from time to time that are good. Are you a native of New Zealand?"

"No, I came over from South Africa some twenty-five years ago. My family still live in Johannesburg and I have visited occasionally, but, my wife is a true Zealander, she's a Maori. We met about twenty years ago and have been together ever since! Truly a match made in heaven, well, I think so anyway." He chuckled at his descriptive observation.

"Sometimes they can be!" Catherine said and smiled at him.

"So you have a proposition for me, or that's how I viewed our last conversation?"

"Yes, I have started a memorial fund in the name of my son Lucas, I want the funds to be channelled into this project and others like it! I was going to ask if you wanted to be co-executor along with Grace Thornton, my housekeeper. She doesn't know yet, it was rather sudden." Catherine spoke fast and with precision.

Suddenly the door to the study opened and in walked a large homely woman, who clearly was a native New Zealander, her brown eyes looked at her with warmth and her smile was both sincere and infectious.

"Mrs Warriorson, welcome to our home." She held out her hand as she relinquished the tray to her husband.

"Thank You, I'm very happy to meet you!" Catherine responded with a warm smile of her own.

"I better let you get on with your business, if you need anything else please call me," she left the room as quickly as she entered.

The Reverend smiled at the fading back of his wife, as he looked at the woman in front of him, who had offered, what he thought, was a lifeline for his project. "Exactly what would I do in this role?"

"You, and Grace, decide who should benefit from the funds available. It can be in the form of grants to people for caring for the children, or funds to build centres or whatever you feel will benefit the project. I'm not concerned with the details, only the initial scheme of things. I'm sure Grace will be happy to help on that front." She picked up a cup of tea, these small cups never held enough tea for her.

"It's that simple? How much would the fund hold?" He asked pensively.

"Yes it's that simple. Value, well I haven't discussed it with my lawyers, but what is your funding to date?"

The Reverend looked down into his cup and sighed. "Not enough, but at least we are able to help a little and the generosity of people like yourself have made the project take flight." He answered obscurely.

"That didn't answer my question though did it? So, how much have you had in the coffers since the project started?" She continued in that train of thought.

"Just over twenty thousand dollars," he answered quietly.

Catherine looked at him with her ice blue gaze and the look was one of incredulity. "Is that all? Why haven't you asked people like me for donations, it's a good cause?" She finished a little abruptly.

He looked at her sheepishly. "It wouldn't have been right to ask you for money as well as making a home for the children, let's be fair now, you didn't exactly warm to the subject at first."

Catherine smiled at him and considered his words.

"Your right I didn't! Although I have had cause to review my original opinions. Even I can be wrong Reverend, lucky someone came into my life at the right time and showed me the error of my ways."

"Would it be too personal to ask who that would be?" He eyed her cautiously, not wanting to overstep the current good feeling he was getting from the stoic woman in front of him.

"Well, you have met her, she was the American guest I had staying when you brought over the children that day," Catherine said softly.

"Ah, Ms Bardley. Yes such a pity she had to go back home," he looked at her and noticed the tightening of a muscle in her cheek at the mention of her name.

"Mmm, well she made me reconsider things in a big way and it's working out, so her influence helped your cause. If ever you need to thank anyone for my help, she would be the one to thank."

"Will she be coming back to visit?" he asked tentatively.

Catherine smiled warmly at that comment. "Yes I hope so."

They both drank their respective cups of tea. "So when will the fund start?"

"The lawyers will draw up the papers and I need to get Grace onboard, she has my full confidence and she's a friend. My son's name will not be involved in anything underhand if she's involved." Catherine said in a forceful way.

"My dear Mrs Warriorson, I can assure you of my integrity when it comes to handling funds. I have never been involved in anything crooked in my life," he sounded affronted and rightly so.

Catherine realised after she'd spoken exactly what she'd implied.

'Guess my tact went out the window.' Stifling a chuckle she responded. "I'm sorry Reverend no slight implied, it's very important that my son's name is never tarred with any of the feathers that have inadvertently been attached to me in the past," she answered.

"So you have a past?" He looked at her and arched his eyebrow to the left.

"Reverend, I don't know anyone who hasn't reached their mid-thirties without some kind of past," she grinned at him wickedly.

"I take your point Mrs Warriorson. When do you think we will see this extra funding?"

"I should think in a month's time; Grace is back at the ranch in a couple of weeks and I can contact the lawyers, the funds are available immediately, it's just a matter of transferring them as you see fit."

"Sounds like a plan. So how are the two children you care for?" He changed the subject.

"Well, that's another reason for my visit actually. You mentioned adoption last time I was here right?" She asked tentatively.

He was surprised at her question. "Yes, adoption is a very good possibility, if they want it too."

"Yes, I was going to broach it to them soon, see how the land lies if you know what I mean." her face held a look of consternation, almost not saying the next words, "What would be your reaction if I started a relationship during the process?  Would there be any restrictions to the adoption?" She knew she was treading a fine line here but what the hell!

"No, nothing that I could see or comes immediately to mind. Are you asking me if there are some relationships that are not welcome by the adoption agency?"

"Yes," came the clipped answer.

"Then I would have to check for you, but I'm not aware of any. If the children are loved and cared for and are happy, what more can you ask for. Would that person equally care for them?" He asked gently.

Catherine got up from her chair and gazed out of the window, her back to the Reverend as she spoke quietly, "Oh yes, without a doubt that person would care for them, maybe more than I'm capable of myself. Love would never be a problem for that person, that much I can promise."

The Reverend had an inkling who she was talking about, but you never broached a subject as sensitive as that one without facts and especially not to the party in front of him! "Then my dear, have no fear. I have always believed that love conquers all."

Catherine turned to him, "Thanks." And went towards the door.

Reverend Stott got up from his seat and held out his hand. "Thank you, and I hope you achieve what you seek."

Catherine clasped his hand in a strong handshake. "So do I, will you thank your wife for the tea and I will talk to you later about the adoption, after I've spoken to the children."

She opened the door and walked down the hall with him following behind. Opening the front door she suddenly turned back and looked at him with a piercing ice blue stare. "Oh, I forgot to say what the value was, of the fund I mean.' He looked at her
with interest. "I was thinking ten to start with then see how that goes," she waited for his reaction.

He smiled happily, "Ten thousand dollars sounds good to me."

Catherine never once letting her glance be diverted she once again smiled wickedly at the Reverend as she continued. "No! No not ten thousand! I was thinking more on the lines of Ten Million dollars," she saw his face pale and she laughed. "That's, US dollars not New Zealand. Bye for now Reverend."

She left the clergyman open mouthed at the door; he was still there looking as if he'd been poleaxe as she pulled out of the drive.

"Guess money has its way of muting a conversation from time to time," she chuckled at loud as she turned off the road towards home.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-seven

Catherine was somewhat frustrated at the events over the last month, especially after her admission to Jace that she loved her.  She had intended to have the talk with Jace, then things would have been in the open and they would be either building a life together or she would be here on her own. Well, she was certainly still here on her own although it had nothing to do with Jace.

Circumstances had decreed otherwise, Grace hadn't returned after her three-week visit, her father had suffered a heart attack and died two days prior to her coming home.

Now she was waiting for Grace to ring and say exactly when she would be home! But was home 'Destiny'? That had been a question that Catherine had asked herself time and again, without a definite answer. Plans that she had made, which included Grace had to be put on a back burner, would she come back, or stay in Auckland with her mother? God, too many questions and no adequate answers, this had been aggravatingly frustrating for Catherine.

Jace had been supportive from afar, unfortunately it was evidently clear events Catherine had set in motion with Hudson had affected Jace. Hudson was being particularly obnoxious with Jace sending her to South America on some really weird projects, which often meant they talked less and less and only e-mailed sporadically due to bad connections in the places she visited. This would end soon, that was for sure, the need to be close to Jace, especially since they had both admitted their love was overwhelming. At times she wanted to get the next plane out of New Zealand and go and see Jace. But she hadn't she had responsibilities. Kids! Who'd have them?

Catherine smiled at the thought and reminded herself that without them in the last month, certainly she would have gone out of her mind. 'Yes, I would have them, especially these two wonderful children of 'mine'. Maybe it was time to talk to them about adoption it didn't have to be soon, it could be in a couple of years or never. I feel good about the prospect and I have never been one to pass up a chance that I perceive to be correct.'

Walking over to the study window she saw a redheaded child riding around on a bicycle in the yard. She looked happy with the rag doll, which she had brought with her, sitting precariously on the handlebars. Catherine smiled wistfully as she recalled the trip into town a couple of days before Lisa's birthday.

"You don't like taking us to town do you Catherine?" Lisa stated and looked at her with inquisitive blue eyes.

Catherine pulled the Landrover into an empty parking spot in the centre of the town and looked over at the child in the back seat. Jake had opted to sit in front and he was looking at both of them with interest.

"Yes well, the last time I came into town with you two, we had trouble if I recall correctly." She looked at the boy who fidgeted at the remark and them smiled at the two of them. "I don't know about you two, but I'm always up for a challenge."

Lisa sent out a whoop of joy and Jake laughed.

They piled out of the vehicle, Catherine wasn't too sure where to take them to shop; she looked around when she felt a small hand tug at her larger one. Looking down at the blonde child she raised her eyebrow in question.

"We might have to cross a road," was the serious rejoinder.

Jake scuffed his toes on the pavement edge and looked down.

"Okay, sounds reasonable to me." Catherine clasped the hand in a firm but gentle hold.

Jake walked along behind them and they all glanced in the stores although they never ventured into any one of them.  Half an hour later they all looked at each other.......

"Guess this isn't getting us any where is it?" Catherine looked at the two children.

"No," they replied in unison.

From time to time people looked at them and voices could be heard discussing what they thought was an interesting trio. Catherine smirked at some of the comments and thought. 'One day it's going to be an interesting quartet, let's see what they make of that!'

Catherine didn't really know what to do, what would her two friends do in the circumstances? 'Ask the kids probably.'  "So, Lisa as it's going to be your birthday, what do you want to see?"

Lisa looked at her with glowing blue eyes, 'one day that kid was going to bowl people over, that was for sure. Hell, she was doing it now!'

"Can we see the bikes?" Her voice rose in anticipation.

Catherine looked at her puzzled at first and then saw the shop that her young charge was looking at. "Oh, bikes. Yes, no problem whatever you want." Catherine looked at Jake who smiled tentatively at her.

"Cool," said the young voice as she suddenly felt herself dragged towards the shop with Jake walking slowly after them.

Settling into the shop, she motioned Lisa to look around for as long as she wanted. Then she watched Jake from the corner of her eye; he was looking over at Lisa with a sad expression. 'Something was bugging the boy again. Hell, was this kid ever going to be anything other than complex?'

Approaching him, she laid a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her and smiled briefly. "What's with you?" Over the weeks he had lived on the ranch they had reached the conclusion that straightforward confrontation on a subject seemed to work the best for them both.

He looked sheepishly at her and shrugged his shoulders.

She quirked her eyebrow and he knew that only a verbal response would appease the woman in front of him.

"I can't buy Lisa a present." He solemnly said.

Catherine looked at him puzzled. "Why not?"

He shuffled around and then starred at her with his frank hazel gaze. "I haven't any money of my own." A simple statement, suddenly Catherine realised she had missed something else in the child rearing game.

Passing a hand over her hair in frustration she looked at the boy and gave him an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry Jake that's something we need to sort out when we get home. What do you need now?"

He looked at her and motioned for her to bend her head so he could whisper into her ear what he wanted to purchase for Lisa.

Smiling she looked at him and realised that the kid was indeed growing into a really likeable person. Reaching into her purse she took out several notes and passed them to him discreetly. "That enough?" she said huskily.

He looked at the wad of money and then back at her and gulped at the amount. "I'll bring you some change." He said as he went out of the bike shop towards the shop two doors down.

"You keep out of trouble, that's all I need." She smiled as he left with a big grin on his face.

They had bought the prettiest pink bike in the place, including every imaginable accessory, place was a basket to hold 'Sherry' the rag doll, or that was what Lisa had said at the time. By the time she had purchased everything and had them packed for transport to the car, Jake walked in with a large parcel tucked under his arm he was smiling broadly.

"Hey Jake what you got there?" Lisa asked him excitedly.

He looked at the little girl and smiled. "It's a surprise."

She looked at him and she smiled beguilingly at him. "For me Jake?" A soft voice asked.

He looked into the blue eyes and was lost. "Yes."

She smiled even more brightly, if that could have been possible and this time as they left the shop she held not only Catherine's hand but Jake's too!

Catherine decided they would eat at a burger bar, 'well at least it was fast food and she didn't have to cook it!'

So here she was, watching the child with her new toy and the rag doll didn't reside in the basket that was left for the puppy dog that Jake had bought for her. It was a brown beagle, look a like it had been quite a scene when she had opened that present.  Tears had streamed down the child's face and the boy had looked embarrassed, although in a shy sort of way very pleased with himself. So he should be too! Catherine had been proud of him; he had actually thought about the present, and if she hadn't been too obtuse she would have realised that the children needed some money of their own, even if it was only a token sum every week or month.

Glancing towards the ranch drive, she saw a cloud of dust appear and thought at first it was either Colin or one of the other men on the ranch. Her first concern was for the child riding the small bike around the drive. If it was a stranger to the ranch, they might not be aware of the small obstacle that rode merrily around.

Moving quickly she opened the patio door of the study and called to Lisa to move towards the house, the child did so and stopped her bike close to Grace's herb garden, propping it up against the porch steps.

Watching the vehicle approach, she at first couldn't gauge the vehicle then suddenly it came into view. 'No, it can't be!' she looked again at the clear image of the vehicle now. 'Good grief that woman hadn't even called to say she was coming.' Catherine quickly went down the steps of the porch and waited for the vehicle to stop.

Hands on hips she looked menacing until you looked up into her eyes and noted the sparkle of warmth within.

The woman got out of the vehicle and slowly approached what looked like a very imposing figure to anyone who didn't have personal knowledge of the woman's stances.

"Good to see you Catherine." choked a voice with sincerity.

Catherine didn't waste a second she rushed down the final step and pulled the woman into her for a hug. "Bloody glad you came home Grace." And held her closer as the other woman cried into her shoulder.

Pulling away she looked up into the concerned ice blue gaze and smiled wanly. "I figured arriving home would be better than a phone call," she managed to say with a break in her voice.

"Yes, I would agree with that, and we all are very glad to have you back, we have missed you Grace." Catherine said sincerely, knowing that at the moment, just holding the woman brought her a peace she had missed in the weeks Grace had been away.

Grace looked at her with tear-filled eyes and she smiled again. "Thanks Catherine, I missed this place and everyone."

"Good, come on let's get Doris to make us some tea." With that a little redheaded whirlwind descended on them.

"Grace? Grace you came back to us, we missed you!" A small girl wrapped herself around the younger woman. Catherine grinned at Grace and moved away so that Lisa could hug her properly.

"I missed you too little Miss Alice. What have you been up to while I've been gone?" she asked in a happy voice.

"I had a birthday Grace and Catherine bought me a bike, do you want to see?" Lisa asked as she pulled Grace towards the bike and it's residents.

Catherine laughed and motioned Grace to follow Lisa. "It's okay Grace. I'll sort out the bags and when you're ready, tea will be brewing." Grace smiled back at her boss and thought she looked different, something had changed and she wanted to know exactly what that was.

Later!

~ ~ ~

Catherine watched as Grace consumed her evening meal chatting amiably with the children. Lisa had never left her side since she'd arrived back and even Jake looked happy at the prospect of having Grace back in the fold.

Colin had briefly looked in and given Grace condolences over her father and then left abruptly as she teared up at his concern.

Doris had made the evening meal and then left, she had enjoyed her work at 'Destiny' and indicated that if ever they needed any help again just to let her know. Catherine had thanked her personally with a healthy bonus that had been very unexpected, but gratefully received.

Grace looked over at Catherine and smiled warmly at her. "Everyone seems to be happy and healthy here you haven't caused havoc while I've been gone it would appear?" She teased the older woman.

"Oh, come on Grace, now why on earth would you think that?" She smiled back at her friend.

"Just a thought, you appear happier now than when I left, any reason for that?" Grace pushed her luck.

Catherine quirked an eyebrow and then gave a brief grin. "Yes, a very good reason, I'll tell you about it later or maybe tomorrow, you look tired."

Grace accepted the truth in the statement. "Yeah, I'm tired it's been a long month all told."

Catherine pierced her with a compassionate look clearly sending the sympathy message without words. They both looked at each other at length and them turned away as Lisa began a story about 'Sherry' and 'Blacky'. Now that had been amusing trying to explain to Grace and making her understand that the brown beagle soft toy was called 'Blacky', at the time it had amazed both Catherine and Jake. Neither had the heart to ask Lisa about the name, just accepting it, even if it did make them chuckle everytime she mentioned the dog. "I know I think an early night for us all wouldn't go amiss now would it kids?" her tone brooking no objection.

"Will you still read to us the next story though Catherine?" Lisa chirped in.

"Yes, you've only got the last couple to finish now." Jake added for good measure.

Catherine smiled at them and held up her hand. "You know when we are finished here, we will be on the third book, and there is a limit to how many books have been written."

"Yeah we know but you will finish it won't you?" the plaintiff voice of the girl asked.

Suddenly, Catherine got up from her chair and walked over to the small figure seated opposite her; looking down at her with a warm ice blue glance she stroked the blonde hair. "For you and Jake anything Princess," and turned and walked out of the room.

Grace had watched the display of affection with fascination, Hell things had changed here and in a big way, maybe she wasn't so tired after all!

~ ~ ~

Although both women had agreed they were tired, it felt good to just relax together after the children went to bed with a coffee and companionable silence around them.

Catherine was the first to break the silence. "I'm sorry about your father Grace."

"Thanks," she said simply.

"You want to talk about it?" Catherine asked gently.

Grace looked at the older woman and once again marvelled at the gentleness she sensed in her, which certainly wasn't around when she left. "I think I've done all the talking about it that I need to do, now I need to heal. My sister was a big help; Ali is staying around Auckland for a few more months to help Mum adjust. I think it will work out."

Catherine nodded her head and acknowledged the truth in the statement. "I never got around to talking about any of my families deaths with anyone, guess that's why I got myself into a mess in the end."

Grace looked at her directly and smiled sadly. "I wish I'd been there for you then Catherine, but its no use wishing for things that are firmly planted in the past, you have to look towards the future instead."

"Thanks Grace, you have been a good friend, I've genuinely missed you around here, it's been very lonely without you and the kids have missed you too!"

"Ah, the kids only want my cooking or should I say cookies and you! I hazard a guess it was my tea-making skills that you missed?" She smiled at the thought.

"Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say that, but your skills in making cappuccino certainly rate high on my list of reasons to keep you around," Catherine gave a warm throaty laugh.

"Great knew I had a good reason to get myself back here," she smiled and continued. "You've changed Catherine?"

Catherine looked at Grace speculatively and grinned that lop sided grin that produced mischief in her eyes. "Yes, I know.  Hopefully, it's for the better."

"The better! Hell, if you changed any more I might think we opened a sanctuary for do-gooders here on 'Destiny' during my absence."

"Never that Grace! But it feels good to do something for someone else instead of for purely selfish reasons." Catherine got up from her seat and walked over to the window and looked out over the dark drive. "I think it could snow soon it's getting quite icy here in a morning."

"So, who or what is responsible for the change?" Grace persisted.

Catherine turned back and regained her seat next to Grace. "Jace."

"As simple as that huh?" Grace noticed the tenderness when Catherine said her name.

"Yes, it was really as simple as that! You once told me to listen to the knocking on the door Grace. I did and I opened it, you were as usual in these things right!" Catherine sheepishly smiled at Grace.

"You telling me what I think your telling me?" Grace was surprised but happy for her friend and boss she looked so relaxed.

"That I've admitted I love Jace Bardley, oh yes!" Catherine spoke the words almost in wonder.

Suddenly Grace pushed herself out of her chair and kneeled in front of the one Catherine sat in and placed her arms around the legs of her friend in a comforting hold. "Then I'm happy for you, does Jace know?"

Catherine laughed out loud at that question. "I certainly hope so! We obviously haven't been able to see each other since the admission but I'm going to see her shortly, now you're back that is."

"You're going to LA?" Grace was surprised at that.

"Oh, I know I don't like the place,' Grace sent her a look that made her blush. 'Okay, so I hate the place, I have business to attend to and of course Jace lives there for the moment, so why not kill two birds with one stone." Catherine said matter of factly.

Grace snorted at the last comment. "Jesus Catherine, I'm sure glad you're not courting me!"

"What do you mean?" Catherine looked at her in indignation.

"Look when the object of your desire is spoken about in the same breath as a business deal, I kind of would be upset."

She looked perplexed and thought about what she'd said a worried look appeared on her face. "I guess you're right again, but Jace will always come first, believe me!"

Grace patted her hands that were clenched tight together on her knees. "Hey, I know and Jace knows. We both understand that you are a powerful business woman and at times relationships might have to take a back seat to that."

"It won't matter soon Grace, because I'm going to leave all the business dealings to others, I've already got that plan in operation. Tomorrow we need to talk about something important I need you to consider. Tonight you're way too tired to give it your best attention."

"Well, that's something to ponder when I'm trying to sleep now isn't it," Grace answered feigning a heavy sigh.

"Do you want to know what I need you to consider now?" Catherine looked at her in surprise.

"No, leave it Catherine, after breakfast we'll talk. I need to make a call in the morning first thing, so I will attend to the breakfast but leave you and Colin for an hour or so, if that's okay?"

Catherine glanced at her and noticed the sadness appear once again but for a different reason. "The good doctor?"

Grace looked at her and a tear threatened to fall, eventually it slowly trickled down her cheek. Catherine wiped it away with one of her tapered fingers. "Yes," came a strangled reply.

"I'm here for you Grace, never forget that!" She gave her a long sympathetic look. Brown eyes looked into the ice blue ones above her and she smiled briefly.

"Yeah, I know and I love you for it." Getting up she slowly made for the door feeling drained.

"Do you know something Grace?" Catherine spoke quietly as she watched her move towards the door Grace inclined her head in question. "My mother was right she told me about you and how you would help me see what would be best in the future."

Grace turned in surprise, "I never met your mother didn't she die when you were a child?" What an odd thing for Catherine to say!

"Yes, she did, but she was a descendant of a long line of people who had the gift of prophecy. She told me about you when I was ten years old guess it's taken me a few years to see it that's all."

"Did the gift pass to you?" Grace was fascinated with this new facet of Catherine's life.

"I hardly think so, do you? Or I certainly wouldn't have made half the mistakes I've made in my lifetime so far!" She laughed depreciatingly.

Grace smiled back and shook her head. "Maybe you just needed to believe in the power of love a little more before you get the gift."

"It can be a curse and in my case, I would think it would be just that!" Catherine looked down at her hands, which now lay flat on the top of her thighs. "Goodnight Grace."

"Goodnight Catherine, pleasant dreams." She opened the door and left.

Catherine mused over the previous statement. 'Do I want the gift? No! Knowing the future would certainly be a curse having the things happens, as they do could be hard to bear at times. Actually knowing the outcome before hand and not being able to change isn't something my competitive nature would ever get to grips with. Had my mother seen her own death? Yet Mama had been so calm and serene about the gift she possessed. Surely she would not have been had she known how short her life was going to be? Questions and yet more questions and no one to answer any of them. Or was there someone? Yes! She might not want to talk to me but it is worth a call something to consider in the future, yes, certainly I will go to her and talk, it was time.'

Catherine moved out of the chair and turned down all the lights, double-checking that everything was secure she walked up to her room.

Checking on Lisa as she walked by the bedroom, which most definitely belonged to a young girl. As she walked over to the bed and pulled the covers back over the child as they had been pulled off at some stage during sleep she swiftly glanced round the room. The floor had some clothes scattered around nothing too untidy, but one day it could be a problem. Then there were the few trinkets Lisa had been left by her mother, taking pride of place on the dressing table although there was nothing of intrinsic value. Catherine had been given Lisa's mother's rings and a gold chain for safe keeping until the child was old enough to appreciate them.

It was still very sparse for a child's room, the only toys being the original rag doll 'Sherry' that had been brought with her and 'Blacky' the brown beagle that Jake had bought her. She knew that the wardrobe was full of clothes; Grace had purchased most of them before she left.

Checking again that the child was sleeping peacefully she went out onto the landing and looked at the room that Jace had used, it was empty but she opened it anyway.

Entering the room she had the distinct impression that Jace was close by and her thoughts of the young woman she loved magnified accordingly. Jace had not only stolen her heart but also offered her a chance for a bright future with a happy family atmosphere, rather than the austere loneliness of the reclusive life she had opted for five years before. Looking round the room, it hadn't changed much since she had left, the bed was in the same position, the chair was pulled up close to the table and the table lamp was angled towards the bed.

Kicking off her shoes Catherine climbed on the bed and sank into its depths.  Closing her eyes she imagined the smaller body of the woman she had grown to love within the circle of her arms. Catherine had loved Jace in the short time she had stayed in the house and it had just gone from strength to strength after each message or call. Recalling once again holding Jace in her arms she sighed and opened her eyes knowing the futility of dreaming about things that couldn't take place at least at the moment. But, oh she hoped that would be over soon and that it wouldn't be a dream, it would be a reality!

Gracefully getting up from the bed, she left the room and its memories and headed to the next room and its closed door.

Jake hadn't had a nightmare for a couple of weeks and so they had agreed that he could keep the door shut. The boy had been embarrassed on the several occasions that he had been consoled by Catherine and realised that he had disturbed not only her but Lisa as well. Now he was getting his dreams under control, but Catherine suspected that they would surface again if anything upset the boy too much. She was not going to let that happen any time soon, not if she could help it.

Opening the door she glanced in and noticed the magazines strewn on the floor and the shoes kicked off haphazardly into a corner. He didn't have any toys or anything other than magazines in his room clothes of course but nothing personal. His parents hadn't left anything of value for him. To say he was impoverished was somewhat melodramatic, but basically correct.

She hadn't approached the subject of money after the visit to the town now Grace had come home she would ask her to deal with that small point. She smiled, as she looked at the peaceful expression on his face, it often held a scowl or sullen look about it, and only when he was riding Ruby or speaking to her or Lisa did he give a smile of any depth. Maybe with time, they would find out the depth of the hurt this boy had suffered, then again maybe not, no harm in trying though and she knew just the person who might have the right sort of compassion for that task in the future.

Seems Jace had the compassion to tame the savage beast and some of the boy's hurt certainly mirrored some of her own. Time would tell.

She closed the door and headed for her own room, to find sleep.

~ ~ ~

Chapter Twenty-eight

The long distance trips that Hudson pulled on her at short notice were frustrating Jace. For the last three weeks she hadn't been home longer than a day.

Now she was heading back! Hudson had been called away to New York, very strange, only for Jace it was a heaven sent opportunity to not only have a break, but also get back in touch with Catherine. If they had e-mailed four times in the last two weeks, that would be about all their joint interaction and that certainly wasn't enough for either of them. She missed the older woman with an intensity that threatened to overwhelm her at times. Her insecurities would often rear their ugly heads when she settled down for the night, and not being in a position to contact Catherine to calm her fears only fuelled the problem.

Well, she was an hour from home, only she really needed to go into the office and check in there, if only for a short time. Walking into her office space an hour later she asked Agnes what was going on. Hudson's secretary was anything but informative, she could only say that a very important meeting was being arranged and very powerful people were involved. That really didn't say anything at all.

Looking over the mountain of mail she decided that maybe having a few days off wasn't going to work with all this garbage on her desk.

Wonder what was happening to Peter's documentary, he'd mentioned that there had been a hold-up, but she hadn't heard anything for at least the three weeks she had been away. Maybe now was a good time to find out what was happening with her friend and then she would get home and make that longed for call.

The room that Peter Adamson occupied on the property was compact and gave the impression that the director rarely ever entered it. That wasn't strictly true but he had always preferred to be on the set and marshal most of any project he was working on himself. Jace entered the room after knocking and hearing a muffled voice say enter.

Looking up from his desk Peter Adamson beamed when he saw whom his visitor was. "Jace, good god has she finally let you come home?" He got up from his chair and gave her a hug.

"It's good to see you too Peter." She laughed into his shoulder as he hugged her harder.

"So what brings you into my office, thought you would want to go straight home and rest up, I heard she sent you to some rough terrain," he looked at her seriously.

"Yes she did, and yes I would like to go home. I thought I would catch up with the news before I went." Jace smiled at him and sat in the chair opposite his desk.

"Well, that could be tricky, exactly what are you interested in?"

"Have you got a release date for the documentary yet? Wasn't it held up for some reason?" she inquired.

Peter looked at her and a small frown appeared over his forehead.

"No it hasn't got a release date, in fact the current edit has been vetoed altogether. Hudson won't change some of the dialogue and the person vetoing won't change their stance."

Jace looked at him in sympathy. "It was a good documentary Peter, the filming is superb as always, can't you pursued Hudson to change the dialogue a little, if that's the only objection?"

"It's called internal politics Jace, looks to me like a waste of money and time, guess it's their money to waste." He stated bitterly.

"Do you know who the person is that's vetoing the project?"

Peter looked at her strangely and took a deep breath before he answered. "Yep, I sure do!"

"Going to share?"

"It doesn't matter Jace nothing can be done." He said resignedly.

"Peter, please tell me. If you don't I will find out from someone else. Is it such a big secret?" Jace spoke in a determined fashion.

He knew she would too! Nothing would get past Jace when she wanted information badly enough. What the hell, he had no love for Catherine Warriorson anyway.

"Ms Devonshire the owner of Xianthos Holdings is the person behind the veto."

Jace suddenly paled and a strangled sound came from her throat.

"Devonshire? Ms Devonshire is behind the veto? How can that be?" She managed to whisper finally her face clearly shocked at his admission.

"Obviously she has an interest somewhere and Hudson has stepped on her toes." He was sorry to see his friend upset. He knew how she hated the mention of the woman if only she knew who the woman really was!

"Peter, if it had been Catherine I could understand that! But where does Ms Devonshire come into the equation?" clearly puzzled at the revelation.

"Maybe your friend Warriorson has powerful friends?"

"But even if she did know Devonshire, how can she influence Hudson, it's an independent studio?" Jace was getting confused by the minute.

"Jace, look I'm sorry. I never wanted to be the one to tell you certainly not after you told me about your dislike of all things Xianthos. Devonshire can do what the hell she wants with the studio, she owns sixty percent of the holdings! Hudson keeps quiet about the set-up, she thinks that way she keeps the power plays all to herself."

Jace got up from the chair and her pale face showed the anguish etched there. "So I've been working for Xianthos all these years and I never knew about it!" It was a heart-piercing statement.

"Yeah, unfortunately you have had the pleasure of being employed at least in part by the mighty Xianthos holdings. Only good thing is the pay I suspect," he said scathingly.

"I need to go home and completely understand all the implications here Peter I.......I will see you later." She walked like a zombie out of the door towards the car park.

"Jace wait up." He called as she got the door of her rental car open.

Looking round at him she waited for him to say more. "You going to be okay? You look kind of out of it, I worry about you Jace."

"Thanks for your concern about me Peter. I'm going to be fine I just need to get home, it's been a long month all in all." She climbed into the driver's seat and switched on the engine.

Peter watched her drive out of the lot and walked slowly back to his office. 'Hell, why did these women make life complicated for not only themselves but also all the others around them. At times like these he wished only men held the power to complicate lives. Then again, they made a fuck of a job of it also, most of the time. Thank god, I spend most of my time behind the camera, away from this shit.'

~ ~ ~

Grace had arrived back on the ranch and was busy clearing up after feeding two hungry wolves or their two kids appeared that way to her.

"You two been eating while I've been gone or have you been saving it up until I arrived home?" the woman asked casually as she cleared plates into the dishwasher.

Both children looked at her and smirked. Finally Lisa answered her, "If we saved it up waiting for you, we would be dead by now Grace." The innocent reply echoed in Grace's eardrums.

Grace suddenly slammed the door of the dishwasher at the words and her hand caught in the top she gave out a scream of pain.

Jake ran up to her and pulled open the door and helped her to the basin to run cold water on it. "Lisa, Grace needs help find Catherine or Colin. Now!" The boy said quickly noticing the tears of pain streaming down the older woman's cheeks.

The girl clearly upset ran out of the kitchen to the stables shouting at the top of her voice for Catherine.

Catherine heard the commotion as she was talking to Colin about the horses and the new stock that was due in a week's time.  "What the hell is that all about?" She muttered as she saw the child flying in her direction.

Catching hold of the bundle of child, she steadied her by the shoulder and pushed her long frame down to the child's level. "Hey Lisa, what's the matter princess?" Catherine spoke softly to the child.

Lisa gave her a tearstained look "It's Grace she got hurt in the dishwasher and she's crying Jake said we need you!" The child put her hand on the woman's larger one and started to drag her up and towards the house.

Looking at Colin who had a worried expression. "I'll deal with it Colin, if I need you I will call, okay?"

"Yes, I'll wait around to make sure." He said quietly his expression worried.

"Good, come on Lisa, let's go and make Grace better." Catherine suddenly lifted the lightweight child in her arms and strode off towards the house, her strides quickly making short work of the distance.

They entered the kitchen area and Grace was setting with a towel wrapped around her hand and a hovering boy looking a little upset.

"So, what have we got here then? Can't leave you for two minutes alone can I Grace?" Catherine tried to bring some light relief into the sober scene.

Grace looked up at her friend and boss and noticed that Lisa was held securely in Catherine's arms; she didn't look like she wanted to be put down either, smiling wanly she shook her head.

"I'm sorry Catherine, I did something stupid tried to shut the door of the dishwasher when my hand was still in it. Jake here has helped me to put a cold compress on it."

"I can see that! So, do we need the doctor?" An expressive eyebrow rose in her face.

"No! No, it's okay Catherine; we can deal with it here. Should be fine soon." Grace spoke quickly and nervously.

"Right, well in that case you better show me the damage then."

"Oh, it's okay I will just keep this on for an hour or so and it will be fine."

"Show me!" Catherine lowered her voice to almost a growl. Slowly putting Lisa down she tweaked her hair and motioned her to a seat. Catherine swiftly walked around to where Grace was seated. Jake previously hovering beside Grace moved to the chair next to Lisa and sat down concerned.

Grace looked at Catherine and knew that nothing was going to stop her viewing the injury. Gently she felt Catherine un-wrap the towel and heard her suck her breath in as she saw the damage.

"For gods sake Grace, it's swollen already, you might have done some major damage, and you need to see the doctor!"

"Catherine No! I won't see him! Don't even think about calling him out. It's swollen and looks nasty but I can move my fingers so no breakage's, it will be fine, let it be!" Grace implored her.

"Okay! Okay. I can see the problem, are you sure you can move all the fingers? Go ahead and try," came the serious retort.

The fingers moved slowly and the pain clearly etched on her face but she maintained her control and satisfied the tall imposing woman in front of her. "Told you so!"

Catherine gave her a look that silenced her, and then she looked at the children. "Right kids, go tell Colin that everything is fine here. Grace is going to be okay and he can give you your next riding lesson now. Be back for lunch at the usual time, although it looks like it's my cooking for the rest of the day." Chuckling she saw the children each look at her and then each other and grimace.

"Hey it's not that bad!" Catherine said with a hurt look on her face.

They both laughed and headed for the door. "Kids." She snorted as they left. Turning back towards Grace she noticed the slight smile on her friends face. "Okay, are you going to comment about my cooking skills too?"

"Never, would I dare?" Grace smiling replied.

"Hmmm, not so sure these days with you Ms Thornton."

Catherine walked over to the medicine cabinet, one of the few places in the kitchen she did know intimately. Selecting a bandage and sticky tape she proceeded to wrap the injury and make it more comfortable giving Grace a chance to swallow the painkillers she had found. "Guess this is as good a time as any to talk to you about the project I want you to consider, but first, how the hell did this little episode happen?"

"Lisa answered a question I posed, and she referred to being dead or the prospect of being dead, guess it threw me, I lost concentration for a moment." Grace said sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, I should have warned the kids but it sort of comes under the sensitive chat parts and I'm not much good at those."  She noticed a quirk of an eyebrow from her friend. "I've not changed that much Grace!" She smiled grimly at the thought of bringing back bad memories to them.

"That's okay Catherine, I will tell them myself when I feel up to it.

So what project have you got for me? You left me intrigued last night."

"Great. Well, for sometime now I've toyed with setting up a trust fund in the name of my son, wasn't sure what type of fund to have though. When this opportunity came around, it peeked my interest, once I was involved I thought why not help in this area.  I went to see the Reverend and asked him to be a co-trustee, he accepted readily and I want to ask you to be the other trustee Grace?" Catherine wasn't too sure if Grace would accept but she was her first choice, her only choice really.

Grace starred at her and swallowed several times before she answered.

"You want me? You're going to trust me with a fund? But why me?"

Catherine smiled at the surprised face of her friend. "You are the only one for the role Grace. First I trust you implicitly and when it comes to anything with my son's name associated with it, I know you won't disappoint me. Second I can think of no one better suited to making sure the money will work for the right causes. Are those good enough reasons?"

"Thank you Catherine, for your trust and I will gladly help with the fund, what do I need to do?" she spoke with emotion.

"The lawyers are waiting for me to call for the transfer to take place, then it's up to you and the Reverend to get together and plan what you want to spend it on. I have advisors for you to call on at any time if you need to do so," replied Catherine in true business like terms.

"Just how much are you talking about here?"

"Oh, I thought ten million US dollars and if that's not enough for the first year, I can be persuaded to increase it for a good cause." She laughed at the thought.

Grace nearly fell off her chair. "Jesus Catherine, ten million? What the hell kind of number is that? You're going to trust me with that amount of money?"

Catherine laughed loudly at the spluttered words floating around the kitchen. "Well, I can make it more if you want? Why wouldn't I trust you Grace?"

"No, no believe me ten is quite enough to be going on with and thank you. Thank you for your complete trust Catherine I know it's hard for you to completely trust people." Grace said with conviction.

"Well, glad that's settled then. Have you finished with the good doctor?" Changing the subject totally.

"Yes, I realised that I wasn't in love with him, might have thought I was, but I think it was just running away from the truth."

"And that truth would be?" Catherine asked although she wasn't sure she was going to welcome the answer.

Grace watched Catherine move gracefully towards the kettle and switch it on. "The truth is I love it here on the ranch and the people too! Now, we have the kids, it's more reasons to stay and I found out that this is home Catherine, here at 'Destiny'.  Whatever happens in the future I know it's going to happen on this ranch and I will fulfill my own destiny here." She spoke with such insight and strength it threw Catherine for a few moments.

"You sound like my Mother when you talk like that! Seriously Grace is you sure finishing with the doctor are the right choice?  He was in love with you."

"Yes I know he was and it hurt to tell him, he understands my reasons and will remain a friend. I guess this place is all I need right now and a few friendly faces too!"

"Then that's absolutely no problem, we can certainly furnish you with the friends and speaking of kids, can you arrange a personal allowance system with them? I think I'm being a little mean not giving them any personal income," Catherine smiled at her ignorance.

Grace laughed genuinely for the first time since she arrived home.

"You know, it's somewhat of a let down from being a trustee over millions to administering pocket money to two children, but I think I'll cope."

"Good." Catherine grinned and pulled on Grace's free hand and tugged her out of the chair. "Now I suggest you get some rest, let me worry about the kids for a few hours. Wonder if they will bring burgers all the way to the ranch?"

"Oh god Catherine, that would be priceless." Grace laughed again as Catherine's hand lead her towards the stairs.

"Go rest woman! I'll bring you some tea shortly now I have some calls to make."

Grace watched her move back towards the kitchen, 'If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes I would never have thought you could change so much and in such a profound way Catherine Warriorson; falling in love has certainly been a catalyst for change in you my friend and we have a small, blonde, green eyed Californian to thank for all of it; way to go Jace!'

She smiled and headed for the luxury of a little sleep, her hand was throbbing but the painkillers would kick in soon enough.

~ ~ ~

Jace arrived home and she threw her case and car keys into the apartment in a haphazard way, not really caring where they ended up.

'All these years I've been working for Xianthos and never suspected. What sort of publicity person am I, when I didn't even know that the studio was sixty percent owned by another entity, Hudson had certainly maintained that secret well. Too well!  Now, I have choices to make, but not many. Did Catherine know Devonshire? And if she did how well did she know her? I hope you don't Catherine; it would break my heart if you told me she was a good friend of yours. How would you react to my hatred of her? Do I even need to tell you of my dislike of the woman we might never meet? Guess it's something for our talk when we get together, not over the phone or the e-mail, you need to understand my hatred and I can only do that if you're here with me in person.'

Slowly retreating to the bathroom she decided the best remedy would be a long soak in the bath, followed by a call to Catherine just to hear her voice, would be therapy enough for her.

Watching the bubbles grow in the bath she contemplated her options and wondered if James had any openings in his organisation she would call him soon and check out the possibilities.

'Catherine my love, I think we need to get that talk over and done with and soon. Before I just hijack a plane and come running into your arms without warning. Wonder what you'd think about that!' Smiling she stripped off her clothes and slowly lowered her aching body and mind into the luxury of a hot bubble bath.

~ ~ ~

Continued in chapter 29

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